Here's when Chick-fil-A will open at old Fireplace site on Route 17 in Paramus

The Chick-fil-A that will be replacing the iconic Fireplace restaurant along Route 17 will be opening soon.

Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the fast food chain will be opening in the first week of May. The chain has over 3,000 across the country, 61 of which are located in New Jersey.

The Fireplace had originally opened in 1956 by World War II veteran Frank Reilly, but closed in 2021 after 65 years in business after the owners announced it was “increasingly difficult time covering the costs of running our restaurant.”

The restaurant was known for its thin-sliced steak sandwiches, juicy burgers and nostalgic '50s atmosphere. It was officially torn down last September as longtime customers with strong memories of the site looked on.

Bricks from the building were later sold for charity. Each $100 brick helped raise funds for the Paramus Food Pantry and NJ SOS Stakeholders, which helps U.S. veterans in need.

In an interview last September with The Record, Frank Reilly, who took over the restaurant 19 years ago from his father, gave his figurative stamp of approval to the incoming company.

"Time marches on," Reilly said when asked how he feels about Chick-fil-A replacing his family's restaurant. "They are a good business."

Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: noda@northjersey.com

Twitter: @snoda11

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Chick-fil-A opening date in Paramus NJ on Route 17 unveiled